Recognizing and honoring the crew members of the U.S.S. Pittsburgh for their heroism in March 1945 rendering aid and assistance to the U.S.S. Franklin and its crew.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

September 24, 1996

Mr. CLINGER submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on National Security

RESOLUTION

Recognizing and honoring the crew members of the U.S.S. Pittsburgh for their heroism in March 1945 rendering aid and assistance to the U.S.S. Franklin and its crew.

Whereas on March 19, 1945, the U.S.S. Franklin, as part of Task Force 58, launched an attack against Japan;

Whereas the Japanese launched a defensive air attack, striking the U.S.S. Franklin, killing 724 crew members and injuring 265 other crew members, and setting the U.S.S. Franklin ablaze;

Whereas the U.S.S. Pittsburgh was dispatched to assist the U.S.S. Franklin and the crew of this vessel performed outstanding feats of seamanship, attaching a tow line to the flaming U.S.S. Franklin and rescuing 34 crew members of the U.S.S. Franklin from turbulent waters;

Whereas the U.S.S. Pittsburgh and the U.S.S. Santa Fe defended against two additional Japanese air attacks while respectively towing and escorting the U.S.S. Franklin to safety;

Whereas, as a result of their actions in March 1945, the crew of the U.S.S. Franklin was decorated, including awards of 2 Congressional Medals of Honor, 5 Gold Stars, 22 Silver Stars, and 250 Letters of Commendation and became the most decorated crew in United States Naval history;

Whereas, as a result of their actions in March 1945, the crew of the U.S.S. Santa Fe received a Navy Unit Commendation; and

Whereas the crew members of the U.S.S. Pittsburgh were never collectively honored or recognized for their heroism during the rescue of the U.S.S. Franklin and its crew: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives recognizes and honors the crew members of the U.S.S. Pittsburgh for their heroism in March 1945 rendering aid and assistance to the U.S.S. Franklin and its crew.